In her application for a First Foundation Scholarship, this New
Zealand born Cook Island student wrote "I hope to become a positive
role model to other Polynesian young people." Jane began her First
Foundation journey as a mature, outgoing student with a strong
resolve which saw her through a challenging upbringing. When her
father passed away, her mother had to give up her job at the time
to raise four year old Jane and her older sister. Facing these
challenges, Jane maintained a model demeanour and the desire to
pursue tertiary education.

Academically, Jane displayed strengths in both Mathematics and
English at school. As a Hockey player, Jane was proud to have
been on the Australian tour team for the school's 1st XI Girls team
in 1998. Outside of school, Jane spent time volunteering at the
Homai Vision Centre and the South Auckland Hospice Appeal.

In reflecting on her Scholarship experience, Jane sees merits in
the transferable skills that she developed while working at
Hubbards Foods. "I found the personal involvement in contributing
to University fees through savings targets helpful and the
budgeting skills I now draw on frequently," she comments.

Jane went to The University of Auckland where she studied a
Bachelor of Arts with majors in Sociology and Geography. She
then did Postgraduate study in Urban Geography. She graduated with
a Postgraduate Diploma in 2005 and is currently working at AMI
Insurance in the Finance department.